Frequently Asked Questions About Fireproof Safes
What fire rating do I need for my documents?
For standard paper documents, 60-minute fire protection is recommended. For digital media (USBs, hard drives, CDs), you need 30-minute protection as they're more heat-sensitive. Critical legal documents should have 90-120 minute protection.
All our safes are tested to EN 15659 and NT Fire 017 standards for guaranteed protection.
Are fireproof safes also burglar-resistant?
Yes, our fireproof safes feature dual protection against fire and theft. They include:
- Anti-drill plates
- Reinforced steel construction
- High-security locks (key, digital, or biometric)
- Bolt-down facilities
This makes them ideal for protecting cash, jewellery, and valuable documents.
How long does UK delivery take for fireproof safes?
We offer free UK delivery on all fireproof safes and cabinets:
- Smaller safes: 3-5 working days
- Larger cabinets: 5-10 working days
We provide placement advice and can arrange professional installation if required.
What's the difference between fireproof safes and fire cabinets?
Fireproof safes are compact units ideal for:
- Cash and jewellery storage
- Small document protection
- Home and small office use
Fire cabinets are larger filing systems with multiple drawers, perfect for:
- Large volume document storage
- Office environments
- Archive management
Both offer the same fire protection levels but differ in capacity and access methods.
Do I need professional installation for a fireproof safe?
Smaller fireproof safes (under 50kg) can be positioned by the customer.
We recommend professional installation for:
- Units over 100kg
- Bolt-down services
- Floor mounting for security
Installation improves both fire and theft protection and can be arranged at time of order.
What lock type should I choose for my fireproof safe?
Choose the right lock type for your needs:
- Key locks: Reliable and simple (but keys can be lost in a fire)
- Digital keypad locks: User-friendly with multiple user codes
- Biometric fingerprint locks: Highest security for single-user access
- Dual-control locks: Ideal for shared business environments requiring two people to open
All locks are certified for security and reliability with backup access options.
Complete Fireproof Safe Buyers Guide
Measurement tape for sizing requirements
List of items to be stored
Insurance policy details
Step 1: Choose the Right Fire Protection Level
The fire rating determines how long your safe protects contents during a fire. Choose based on your risk level and content type:
Fire Protection Levels
30-Minute Fire Protection
Best for: Digital media (USBs, CDs, hard drives), basic document storage
Temperature protection: Keeps internal temperature below 52°C
Ideal locations: Low-risk residential areas, modern buildings with sprinkler systems
Price range: £200-£800
60-Minute Fire Protection
Best for: Standard paper documents, cash, jewellery, personal records
Temperature protection: Keeps internal temperature below 177°C
Ideal locations: Most homes and offices, standard commercial buildings
Price range: £400-£1,500
90-120 Minute Fire Protection
Best for: Critical legal documents, business records, high-value items
Temperature protection: Extended protection for irreplaceable items
Ideal locations: High-risk areas, older buildings, remote locations
Price range: £800-£5,000+
Step 2: Determine the Right Size
Consider both current storage needs and future growth. Measure your items and allow 25% extra space.
Safe Size Categories
Compact Home Safes (Under 30L)
Dimensions: Typically 35cm W x 25cm D x 25cm H
Ideal for: A4 documents, passports, small jewellery, USB drives
Capacity: 50-100 documents or 2-3 small valuables boxes
Weight: 25-50kg
Installation: Desktop or shelf mounting
Medium Office Safes (30-80L)
Dimensions: Typically 50cm W x 35cm D x 35cm H
Ideal for: Legal files, laptop storage, cash deposits, multiple users
Capacity: 200-500 documents or 5-8 storage boxes
Weight: 80-150kg
Installation: Floor standing, bolt-down recommended
Large Commercial Cabinets (80L+)
Dimensions: Multi-drawer units, up to 132cm H x 53cm W x 65cm D
Ideal for: Archive storage, HR departments, financial records
Capacity: 1000+ documents, organized filing system
Weight: 200-500kg
Installation: Professional installation required
Step 3: Select the Right Lock Type
Your lock choice affects both security and convenience. Consider who needs access and how often.
Lock Type Comparison
Key Locks
Pros: Reliable, no batteries, simple operation, lowest cost
Cons: Keys can be lost in fire, limited access control
Best for: Single-user home safes, backup access
Security level: High mechanical security
Price impact: Standard option
Digital Keypad Locks
Pros: Multiple user codes, audit trails, easy code changes
Cons: Requires batteries, codes can be observed
Best for: Office environments, multiple users, frequent access
Security level: High with user management
Price impact: +£100-£300
Biometric Fingerprint Locks
Pros: Unique access, no codes to remember, fastest access
Cons: Higher cost, battery dependent, affected by injuries
Best for: High-security applications, limited user groups
Security level: Highest individual security
Price impact: +£200-£500
Dual-Control Locks
Pros: Requires two people, prevents single-person access
Cons: Less convenient, requires coordination
Best for: Banking, high-value storage, compliance requirements
Security level: Maximum control security
Price impact: +£300-£800
Step 4: Verify Certifications and Standards
Ensure your safe meets recognized standards for insurance and legal compliance.
Essential Certifications
EN 15659 (Paper Protection)
Standard: European standard for paper document protection
Testing: Independent laboratory fire testing
Requirement: Maintains internal temperature below 177°C
Recognition: Accepted by UK insurance companies
NT Fire 017 (Digital Media)
Standard: Scandinavian standard for digital media protection
Testing: Specialized testing for electronic storage
Requirement: Maintains internal temperature below 52°C
Recognition: International standard for data protection
ETL/UL Listing (Security)
Standard: Security and burglary resistance testing
Testing: Tool attack and manipulation testing
Requirement: Specific attack resistance times
Recognition: Required for high-security applications
Step 5: Plan Installation Location
Proper placement maximizes both fire protection and security while ensuring accessibility.
Location Considerations
- Ground floor preferred: Easier installation and emergency access
- Away from heat sources: Avoid boilers, radiators, direct sunlight
- Accessible but discrete: Easy for authorized users, hidden from visitors
- Structural support: Floor must support 2-3x safe weight when loaded
- Bolt-down capability: Concrete or reinforced flooring for anchoring
Measurement Checklist
- Door width and height for delivery access
- Stairway dimensions if upper floor installation
- Final location dimensions (width x depth x height + 10cm clearance)
- Power access for electronic locks (within 2m)
Step 6: Budget and Total Cost Planning
Factor in all costs beyond the initial safe purchase for accurate budgeting.
Cost Components
Safe Purchase Cost
Compact safes: £200-£800
Medium safes: £400-£1,500
Large cabinets: £800-£5,000+
Premium features: +20-50% for advanced locks/ratings
Installation Costs
Basic delivery: FREE (UK mainland)
Positioning service: £50-£150
Bolt-down installation: £100-£300
Difficult access: +£100-£500 (stairs, narrow doors)
Ongoing Costs
Insurance adjustments: Usually reduction in premiums
Battery replacement: £20-£40 annually (electronic locks)
Maintenance service: £50-£100 every 3-5 years
Additional accessories: £50-£200 (shelving, organisers)
Step 7: Make Your Final Selection
Use this checklist to confirm your choice meets all requirements:
Final Decision Checklist
- ✓ Fire rating matches your risk assessment and content type
- ✓ Size accommodates current items plus 25% growth
- ✓ Lock type suits your security needs and user requirements
- ✓ Certifications meet insurance and legal requirements
- ✓ Installation location measured and confirmed suitable
- ✓ Total budget including all costs approved
- ✓ Delivery access route confirmed clear
- ✓ Professional installation arranged if required
Expert Consultation Available
Still unsure? Our experts at Total Locker Service provide free consultation:
- 📞 Call: 01284 749211 or 01284 718773
- 📧 Email: sales@totallocker.co.uk
- 🚚 Free UK delivery on all safes
- ⚙️ Professional installation available
- 📋 Insurance documentation provided
Your Perfect Fireproof Safe Solution
Following this guide ensures you select a fireproof safe that provides reliable protection for your valuable documents and items, meets all certification standards, and offers the security features you need at a price that fits your budget.
Remember: investing in a quality certified fireproof safe is insurance for your most important possessions. The peace of mind and actual protection far outweigh the initial cost.
Are your fireproof safes water-resistant too?
Many of our fireproof safes also offer water resistance, protecting contents from:
- Firefighting water damage
- Flooding
- Sprinkler system activation
Look for models marked as 'fire and water resistant' in our product descriptions. This dual protection is especially important for digital media and paper documents.
What items should I store in a fireproof safe?
Personal items:
- Essential documents (passports, birth certificates, insurance papers)
- Financial records and bank statements
- Cash and jewellery
- Digital media (USBs, hard drives, CDs)
- Property deeds and wills
- Backup keys
Business items:
- Contracts and legal documents
- Employee records
- Financial documents
- Critical data backups
How do I know if a fireproof safe meets UK standards?
Look for these certifications:
- EN 15659 certification for paper protection
- NT Fire 017 for digital media protection
- Independent testing certificates
Check the fire rating (30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes) and ensure it meets your insurance requirements. We provide certification documents with every purchase.
Can I move a fireproof safe after installation?
Smaller safes under 50kg can be moved with care.
Larger units are designed to be permanent installations because:
- Fireproof safes are heavy due to insulation materials
- A typical office safe weighs 100-300kg
- Moving can damage internal mechanisms
Professional moving services are recommended for larger units to avoid damage and injury.
What size fireproof safe do I need?
Choose based on your storage needs:
- Compact home safes: A4 documents, passports, small valuables
- Medium office safes: Legal files, cash, laptop storage
- Large commercial cabinets: Bulk document storage, multiple users
Consider both current needs and future growth. Our experts can help you select the perfect size - call 01284 749211 for advice.
Do fireproof safes require maintenance?
Minimal maintenance is required:
- Keep locks clean and lubricated annually
- Check door seals for damage
- Test electronic locks regularly
- Keep spare keys in separate secure location
We provide maintenance guidance with every purchase and can arrange servicing if required.
Are there insurance benefits to having a fireproof safe?
Yes, many insurance companies offer:
- Premium discounts for certified fireproof storage
- Higher coverage limits for protected items
- Reduced deductibles for fire claims
Check with your insurer about specific requirements. Our certified fireproof safes meet most insurance standards for document and valuables protection.
Fireproof safes great for protection against fire but come with a comprehensive selection of locks
Fireproof Safes and Cabinets – Free UK Delivery from Total Locker Service
Total Locker Service supplies a wide range of fireproof safes and cabinets, offering protection for documents, digital media, cash, and valuables against fire, heat, and unauthorised access. Designed to meet both domestic and commercial needs, our fire-resistant storage solutions are tested to the highest standards and are available with free UK delivery.
Whether you are safeguarding legal paperwork, financial records, or irreplaceable assets, our fireproof safes and cabinets provide trusted security when it matters most. With a wide variety of models and specifications available, we help ensure you find the perfect solution for your environment.
Tested and Certified Fire Resistance
Our range of fireproof safes and cabinets includes products certified to withstand intense heat for up to 120 minutes. Units are independently tested to recognised international standards, such as EN 15659 and NT Fire 017, for paper or digital media protection.
Models are available with different levels of fire resistance:
- 30-minute fire resistance – for short-duration protection
- 60-minute fire resistance – for moderate risk environments
- 90- to 120-minute fire resistance – for high-risk or critical storage
Each safe or cabinet is designed to maintain an internal temperature below the threshold at which paper or electronic data is damaged, even during prolonged exposure to fire.
Fireproof Cabinets for Document Storage
Our fireproof cabinets are ideal for storing large volumes of documents in offices, archives, and educational institutions. Available in two-drawer, three-drawer, and four-drawer options, these units feature insulated drawers that remain protected even if one is open at the time of a fire.
Features include:
- Independently fire-tested and certified
- Secure central locking or individual drawer locking
- Heavy-duty steel construction with reinforced frames
- Powder-coated finishes in neutral tones
- Optional water resistance on selected models
Fireproof cabinets are an ideal solution for HR departments, finance teams, and legal offices that manage sensitive or long-retention documents.
Fireproof Safes for Cash and Valuables
For those storing money, jewellery, passports, or sensitive media, we offer a range of fireproof safes with burglary-resistant features. These include multi-wall steel construction, anti-drill plates, bolt-down facilities, and high-security key or digital locks.
Options include:
- Small fire safes for home or office use
- Medium-capacity units with internal shelves
- High-security deposit safes with drop chutes
- Data safes for media such as USBs, HDDs, and discs
With dual protection against fire and theft, these units are suited to retail settings, schools, public sector buildings, and private use.
Locking Options
Our fireproof safes and cabinets are available with a variety of locking options to suit different user preferences:
- Traditional key locks – reliable and easy to use
- Digital keypad locks – programmable and user-friendly
- Biometric fingerprint locks – ideal for limited access control
- Dual-control locks – for added security in shared environments
All locks are certified for security and reliability, and backup access options are available for emergencies.
Free UK Delivery and Expert Support
Total Locker Service offers free delivery across the UK on all fireproof safes and cabinets. We also provide expert support to help you select the right product for your needs, whether for home, office, or specialist storage.
For heavier units, we can assist with placement advice and access checks to ensure smooth and safe delivery. If you require installation or bolt-down service, we can arrange this at the time of order.
Why Choose Total Locker Service?
With decades of experience supplying secure storage, Total Locker Service is trusted by schools, government departments, healthcare providers, and businesses across the UK. We offer:
- Certified fireproof safes and cabinets
- Competitive pricing and fast delivery
- Expert advice tailored to your environment
- Ongoing support and product guidance
Our goal is to make it easy to protect what matters most – with trusted products and unbeatable service.
Total Locker Service provides an extremely wide range of fire resistant safes, if you don't find what you are looking for here please call 01284 749211.
Our high-quality safes and cabinets are both fire and water-resistant, all tested to the UK and European standards for fire protection and security. We have a selection of different levels of fire protection available depending on your needs.
We supply fireproof safes for protection against fire but come with a comprehensive selection of locks including keylock safes, digital keypad safes, electronic locking safes and even fingerprint lock safes.
We supply a massive range of different safes available, including home safes, business safes, wall safes and underfloor safes so you are sure to find the perfect safe for both your domestic and commercial needs.
We have a huge range of fireproof safes available, browse the full range online now!